To be the No. 1 place to work in the U.S. as selected by Fortune magazine and the Great Place to Work Institute is one thing. To be the No. 1 multinational corporation to work is another matter.

But don’t think for a moment executives at SAS are going to let the multinational selection by that same Institute on Tuesday night will stop striving to make the world’s largest privately held software firm an even better place for employees’ home away from home.

So says Chief Marketing Officer Jim Davis.

“We always listen to our employees and provide new programs based on what’s important to them,” he explained in talking about the latest accolade.

“Whether it’s adding classes at the fitness center, adding an on-campus pharmacy, or offering classes on how to deal with life issues like aging parents or financial planning.”

As an employee, Davis numbers himself among those who appreciates the changes the company has made over the years.

“Like everyone, I spend the better part of my day at work,” he pointed out. “I want to be somewhere where I enjoy the environment and the people. Beyond that, the benefits are really personal. Where are you in your stage of life.

“The benefits I used five years ago aren’t the benefits I use today. That’s what’s great about SAS. We have benefits to address everyone’s needs.”

International Culture

Importantly to SAS, the global award recognizes the company’s commitment to employees regardless of company or culture. Many people in the Triangle are aware of what SAS does and provides at its Cary campus, from healthcare to cafe, beauty salon to piano music, fitness to daycare. It’s virtually cradle-to-grave support.

But what about outside the U.S. where more than half of SAS employees are based?

“We care about the cultural differences that make each country office unique,” Davis replied.

“For example: SAS Korea actually provides employees with additional paid leave for when they get married. Employees there also get one additional day off for when their children get married. This paid leave is above and beyond the normal vacation they are allotted. We recognize the importance of families, history and cultural practices in all of our offices and respect and encourage cultural diversity.”

Various SAS business units have been recognized as No. 1 in those countries by the Institute. And SAS management such as Chief Executive Jim Goodnight place high value on those awards.

For one thing, happy employees mean less turmoil and turnover.

For another, happy and productive employees drive more revenues.

Feedback from the Troops

SAS could very well reach the $3 billion plateau for the first time this year, and since launch in 1976 it has been profitable. Goodnight knows that the software and services are only as as good as the people creating, supporting and selling the entire product suite.

Since the Institute bases much of its selection criteria on employee surveys, Davis said SAS management appreciates the responses.

“We are always proud to receive any recognition for our workplace culture because it is a reflection of how our employees feel about our company,” he explained.

“SAS ranked No. 1 based on inspiring work, open communication, generous benefits and work-life balance. Additionally, employee feedback is critical to achieving first place on this list. This recognition indicates that our employees value SAS as much as we value them.

“Our culture is the same no matter where you are. Our employees trust our leaders, are passionate about their work and really like the people they work with.”

By listening to employees, SAS executives believe they encourage employees to take more pride in their own work.

“The flexibility we offer allows our employees to prioritize work and family, promoting true work-life balance,” Davis said, noting another big criteria measured by the Institute.

“Also, people have meaningful work which helps them see the link between their personal success and the company’s success.

“SAS employees believe in what they do. Whether it’s using our solutions to detect fraud or tracking infectious disease – our technology touches the world every day. SAS’ culture is based on trust. We work hard to nurture creativity and innovation. Employees bring their whole selves to work. SAS, in turn, is committed to reducing stress and distraction so they can do their best.”

Low Turnover

Perhaps SAS employee loyalty is best reflected in turnover. To date this year, Davis said turnover was 2.6 percent compared to a software industry average of 22 percent.

Goodnight has repeated many times over the years that he considers the employees the company’s greatest resource. Davis said that attitude has not changed. 

“It doesn’t cost any more to treat your employees with respect. But the cost to the company can be great,” he noted.

“Think about what happens to your customer when you have unhappy employees such as a disgruntled employee handling baggage at an airline – bags get lost.

“An unhappy employee equals an unhappy customer. Our employees are beyond compare. We believe that happy employees make happy customers. By keeping our employees motivated and inspired, we attract – and retain – the cream of the crop.”

Recruiting and Sustainability

In an increasingly competitive market for analytics business and on a playing field where SAS competes against much larger companies such as IBM, employee recruitment and retention are big issues.

For example, when SAS recently opened its newest building on campus, features included many that highlighted sustainability such as solar power. Executives take reporters on a tour noted that recruits these days often asked about the SAS sustainability strategy before coming on board.

Awards such as the workplace selection add to SAS’ recruiting pitch. 

“Workplace recognition and revenue growth are not coincidental,” Davis said. “SAS continues to prove year in and year out that treating employees well is good business. This ranking is important to SAS because it shows high levels of trust in our company, and that this trust extends to our customer relationships. “

And what are the benefits employees like most?

“Depends on who you’re asking, but a general consensus would likely say:

1. Challenging work.
2. They get to work with great people.
3. Actual work/life balance
4. Outstanding health insurance benefits
5. Subsidized childcare
6. On-site convenience services, including, hair salon, dry cleaning, car detailing, etc.
7. Multiple health-conscious cafes

“It’s just amazing,” Davis said. “People come to work and they’re smiling.”

Now how many employers can say that about their employees?

[SAS ARCHIVE: Check out 10 years of SAS stories as reported in WRAL Tech Wire.]